Theatre Témoin returns to the Fringe with The Marked

After the 5 star sell-out success of The Fantasist (top 5 of the Fringe – Sunday Times) Theatre Témoin returns to the Fringe using mask, puppetry and physical theatre to navigate a haunting, mystical world inspired by real-life stories of homelessness.

As a boy, Jack was surrounded by monsters and invisible guardians, as he fought to protect the people he was destined to rule. Now grown up, his life on the streets of London is less fantastical. But when a ghost from his past turns up, Jack must harness the power of forgotten myths to defeat her.

Since 2010, homelessness has increased nationwide by 55%, with an unprecedented 100% increase in rough sleepers in London. With ongoing cuts to services, this trend is expected to continue. Theatre Témoin feel that it is vital that the most vulnerable in our communities have a voice on stage.The Marked was developed alongside community consultants with experience of homelessness from St. Mungo’s Recovery College and Cardboard Citizens, who participated in Mask Theatre workshops delivered with the generous support of Big Lottery’s Awards for All scheme. The piece has been shown in 10 London hostels in July and feedback from these is being incorporated into the final Edinburgh production.

Script consultant Sarah Macguire, a young artist with personal experience of homelessness, commented, "Working with Theatre Témoin on developing an authentic portrayal of homelessness has been a rewarding experience which has increased my desire to progress as an artist."

Theatre Témoin has an engagement-centred approach to devising, working with community partners and consultants at every stage of the process. Devising Director Ailin Conant comments, "While researching The Marked and listening to the stories of people experiencing homelessness, it became increasingly clear to me that for some people fantastical beliefs are a matter of urgency, of vital necessity. When you have lived through powerful experiences, you need an equally powerful language and framework to describe those experiences."

PERFORMANCES
Performance Dates Wednesday 3rd – Monday 29th August, 1.30pm
Running time 1 hour
Location Pleasance Dome (King Dome), 1 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL
Box Office Tickets are available from www.pleasance.co.uk
Previews: £7
Weekends: £12 (£11)
Midweek: (£11 (£9.50)
Early week: £9 (£8)